Welcome to Part 2 of a series on the impacts of inclusive online design. In this post, I will be outlining the importance of online inclusive design for all digital experiences, how to create an online inclusive environment, and its benefits.

Building an inclusive learning environment - whether it be a website, an online course or training program, or LMS (learning management system) - shouldn't be a goal for designers, companies/organizations, and managers, it should be a requisite. A goal is something we hope for but sometimes can’t deliver; A requisite is something we must complete to ensure a successful end.

A requisite, not a goal.

The importance of an inclusive learning environment cannot be overstated. It’s an environment where every learner feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. In our current digital/hybrid work/learning environment, the engagement and retention of learners and employees is of the upmost importance. Ensuring that each online experience is accessible and inclusive fosters better engagement, understanding, and collaboration, making education and training more impactful for all.

True Story

Like many of you, I have taken my fair sure of mandatory online trainings. Often, they are low-fi, excruciatingly boring offerings that feel like an afterthought. And while I can forgive the lack of design and less than engaging curriculum work, I cannot forgive what I consider low hanging accessible fruit.

I once took a mandatory training on AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) that featured a series of video explanations that had NO captions or a transcript.

In a course on accessibility.

At a respected academic institution.

That employs persons who would require these accessible features.

It also used 7-point font, low-fi images, and a clickable “next” experience that felt like it was never going to end.

Why and How Did The Institution Fail So Miserably?

In my opinion, they failed in a few key areas:

· Outsourced to an eLearning factory

Choosing a legitimate, resourceful eLearning designer and/or company is vital. Like all sectors, there are many players involved in eLearning who churn out less-than-stellar (at best), sometimes offensive/inaccurate (at worst) online experiences. An organization must due its due diligence to choose a respected and knowledgeable online designer/company, and ensure its final product meets the mark.

· Didn’t prioritize the learnings and the audience.

Listen, I know mandatory trainings don’t illicit a sense of joy with employees and learners, but it doesn’t mean that they aren’t important – particularly their meaning. Having an AODA training imparts not only invaluable knowledge, but a message, that this is important and matters to a community of people who are your work/learning mates. Creating a training that amplified the lives, needs, and dignity of the disabled community was a missed opportunity in this instance.

· Didn’t ask

This is critical step that is often overlooked.

Maybe there was someone who looked at this AODA course and said, “looks good to me”, but I can guarantee you it wasn’t someone from the disabled community. Despite all our best intentions, it’s hard to see past our own experiences, which is why it’s important to reach out to persons who can help, advise, review, etc. At Simple Movement, it’s an integral step in how we design our courses and ensure that we are working beyond the scope of our own individual experiences.

Let’s get to some quick takeaways to help with what makes a learning environment inclusive and steps to create your own.

What Makes a Learning Environment Inclusive?

Broadly, an inclusive learning environment accommodates a range of needs, abilities, and perspectives. It goes beyond removing barriers to actively celebrating diversity and creating equitable opportunities for participation.

Key aspects include:

1. Accessibility: Ensuring that learning materials and spaces are usable by everyone, including those with disabilities.

2. Representation: Reflecting diverse voices, experiences, and identities in content and teaching methods.

3. Belonging: Cultivating a sense of community where every learner feels they are part of the group.

4. Flexibility: Adapting to different learning styles, needs, and preferences.

Steps to Create Inclusive Learning Environments

1. Understand Your Learners Begin by recognizing the diversity in your classroom or online course or training. Conduct surveys, hold discussions, learn about your learners' backgrounds, needs, and goals.

2. Design Accessible Content Ensure all learning materials meet accessibility standards. This includes:

• Providing alternative text for images.
• Captioning videos and offering transcripts.
• Using clear, high-contrast text and avoiding overly complex layouts.
• Offering printable PDF/Word versions of the course (for those who learn better with paper and pen)
• Provide lots of visual cues, high-res, diverse imagery.
• Working to ensure that screen readers can engage with activities and scenarios, when possible.

3. Diversify Teaching Methods Employ a mix of instructional strategies to address various learning styles, such as:

• Visual aids, like charts and infographics.
• Interactive activities, such as group discussions or projects.
• Hands-on experiences or simulations.

4. Foster an Inclusive Atmosphere Create an online culture that values mutual respect and open dialogue. Use inclusive language, avoid assumptions about learners, and establish ground rules for respectful communication.

5. Offer Flexibility in Assessment Design assessments that allow learners to demonstrate their understanding in various ways. For example, provide options for written papers, presentations, or creative projects.

Challenges and How to Address Them

Creating an inclusive learning environment can be complex. Common challenges include limited resources, unconscious bias, and resistance to change. Address these by:

• Advocating for Support: Seek institutional backing for training, funding, and resources.
• Reaching out to Communities/Leaders: Employ a diverse community of leaders/learners to review, advise, and share their experiences and ideas.
• Educating Yourself and Others: Regularly engage in professional development on inclusion and equity.
• Building Incrementally: Start with small changes and expand as you gain confidence and experience.

The Benefits of Inclusive Learning Environments

The benefits of inclusive learning environments are immeasurable, but a few highlights are:

• Increasing engagement and participation.
• Enhancing critical thinking through exposure to diverse perspectives.
• Fostering empathy and collaboration.
• Ensuring a culture of inclusion and thoughtfulness at your organization or institution.

Conclusion

I know this can feel overwhelming but I assure you, it's not. Employing online inclusive design features and perspectives is similar to any great process, it takes time to understand and effectively utilize. What I love most about the working in the world of accessibility and inclusive design is its aliveness; It's a continuous process of reflection, adaptation, community, and growth that aims to create powerful tools for inclusion and empowerment.

I hope this article has piqued your interest in inclusive online design and accessibility.

More to come!

Vanessa

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